By Shenai Raif
Press Association Mediapoint
LONDON — A knifeman described as one of the most dangerous men in Britain was jailed for life today for trying to kill two police officers.
John Onyenaychi, 30, cut Pc Paul Madden’s throat as people watched in horror.
He then lashed out with his knife at other officers who tried to restrain him, the Old Bailey heard.
He called out: “Let me finish him off.”
Pc Madden’s life was only saved by the quick thinking of a retired heart surgeon who was out Christmas shopping.
Samad Tadjkarimi, 65, also helped Community Support Officer Piotr Dolata, who was also stabbed by Onyenaychi in Ealing, west London, last December.
Mr Tadjkarimi, who had retired from Harefield Hospital three weeks earlier, said today: “It’s my duty, I guess. I’m sure anyone in my profession would do the same.
“It’s very humbling that my intervention perhaps contributed to the outcome of possibly saving his life - a very brave young officer.”
Pc Madden, 23, was taken to hospital by helicopter and received emergency surgery for injuries to his neck, throat and face. He was left with permanent scarring.
PCSO Dolata, 27, needed 12 stitches to his head.
Fellow PCSO Steven Constable was slashed twice but escaped serious injury because his high-visibility jacket saved him.
Onyenaychi, of Wise Road, Stratford, east London, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
He was ordered to serve a minimum of 25 years for the attack on Pc Madden, and given a second life term with a concurrent minimum of 20 years for attempting to murder PCSO Dolata.
Copyright 2011 The Press Association Limited